MJP –
Disney is now closing an iconic 20-year-old restaurant after announcing plans to open new shops and eateries in the area.
A new Avengers-themed shop is set to open in Downtown Disney as part of ongoing renovations.
Disneyland has filed a permit to demolish the two-story restaurant Tortilla Jo’s, which has served Mexican dishes and cocktails since 2004.
Located in Downtown Disney, a lifestyle center at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, Tortilla Jo’s has been a staple since the center opened in 2001.
While the restaurant will be torn down, the basement of the building will remain intact.
The timeline for the demolition is still uncertain, pending approval from the City of Anaheim.
Earlier this year, Tortilla Jo’s announced its closure, thanking customers for 20 years of support and extending its last day of service to April 7.
The restaurant officially closed on April 13.
Chef Joe Isidori will introduce two new dining options in its place: a steakhouse with a “warm and sophisticated ambiance” and a nearby barbecue restaurant offering quick-service meals.
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The steakhouse will feature classic dishes like prime beef and seafood, while the barbecue spot will focus on brisket, pulled pork, and moonshine cocktails.
Isidori previously opened the Black Tap, known for its burgers and milkshakes, in Downtown Disney in May 2019.
The demolition of Tortilla Jo’s marks the beginning of a larger renovation effort aimed at revitalizing Downtown Disney.
This initiative was first announced at the Destination D23 fan convention in 2021 and is part of broader updates for the amusement park, which attracts over eight million visitors annually.
Other recent closures include the Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar, which shut down in April 2023 after 22 years.
They will be replaced by a new Mexican restaurant, Paseo, and a courtyard bar called Céntrico, featuring a menu from Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytán.
Additionally, the popular sandwich shop Earl of Sandwich will temporarily close in 2025 to make room for Porto’s Bakery, known for its pastries and Cuban cuisine.
This winter, several new stores will open as part of the Destination D23 project.
The Avengers Reserve will feature a variety of Marvel merchandise, while Marceline’s Confectionery will reopen as Disney’s Wonderful World of Sweets, offering treats like churro toffee and caramel popcorn.
